Australian Shepherd

Breed Overview

The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie, is a medium-sized dog breed of strong herding and working instincts developed in the United States. Aussies are loyal and devoted to their family and love to play with children and other animals. They have an alert, active, and intelligent look, and are relatively easy to train.

Care and Grooming

The Australian Shepherd is a medium-long haired breed that requires regular brushing to keep its coat in good condition and to control shedding. They should be bathed as needed, but not too frequently as it can strip the natural oils from their coat. The nails should be trimmed regularly to avoid discomfort and difficulty while walking.

Training and Socialization

Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and can quickly understand and follow commands. Early socialization is important to help them learn proper behaviors and responses. Proper training and socialization help make them a great companion and even better family pets.

Health and Wellness

Australian Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds they can suffer from certain health issues including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, elbow dysplasia, and cataracts. Proper diet and regular exercise can help alleviate these problems.

Living Environment

The Australian Shepherd is an active breed requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation. This breed should have a safe and secure living environment, ideally with plenty of open space to run and play.

Temperament and Personality

Australian Shepherds are very loyal and devoted companions. They have a strong herding instinct, which can make them a bit bossy if not properly trained. They are intelligent and active, and make great family dogs.

Common Challenges

Australian Shepherds require frequent mental and physical stimulation to remain happy and healthy. Without proper training and socialization, they can develop bad behaviors like digging and barking. They can also have strong herding instincts that can make them difficult to control in certain situations.